Most families aren’t prepared for later life - and that can make a hard moment even harder.
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Caring for a parent or relative can creep up on you. It might start with a niggle, a worrying conversation, or a subtle change in how someone you love is managing at home. Or it can hit you all at once in a crisis that ends in hospital or a care home.
Our Prepare to Care checklist is designed to help you recognise those early signs, start the right conversations and plan ahead with confidence. It’s not about rushing into big changes, but rather getting ready in advance so that you and your loved ones aren’t caught off guard.
Preparing early makes all the difference
The best time to talk about care is before it’s desperately needed. When you prepare early, you can spot small issues before they turn into emergencies and you give yourself the space to explore options without the pressure of a crisis. There are three simple questions every family should ask as early as possible, to avoid this. Follow our guidance to help you broach these three conversations with your loved ones.
Early preparation also means your parent or relative can share their wishes and preferences when conversations are calm, making decisions easier for everyone later on. It’s a way of avoiding last-minute scrambles and instead building a plan that feels reassuring.
How the checklist can help you
The Prepare to Care checklist is a straightforward and practical tool that can make a daunting subject feel more manageable.
It offers you a clear starting point for conversations and useful tips so you can learn what to look out for, whether that’s an empty fridge or unusual changes in daily routines.
By giving you a structure for planning ahead, the checklist lets you keep track of observations over time, so you feel confident about your next steps, whether that’s talking to a GP, exploring home adaptations, or simply keeping a closer eye on things.
A tool for you and your parent
If you’re supporting a parent, the checklist can help you focus your observations and turn them into a constructive conversation. If you are the parent, it offers a way to reflect honestly on what’s going well and where you might like some help – all on your own terms. Use the checklist to help make it easier to talk about care in a way that feels respectful and helpful for the whole family.
Peace of mind for the future
Preparing for the future isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making sure you and your loved one can respond to whatever comes next with less stress and fear of the unknown. The Prepare to Care checklist is free to download and easy to use. Taking the time to complete it now means you’ll be better placed to make decisions together later down the line.
Preparing for the future isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making sure you and your loved one can respond to whatever comes next with less stress and fear of the unknown.
The Prepare to Care checklist is free to download and easy to use. Taking the time to complete it now means you’ll be better placed to make decisions together later down the line.
Discover how former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis is preparing for later life, including how she is ageing well, staying open to change – and finding out that difficult conversations about the future can be the most empowering of all.
Prepare to care FAQs
Who is the checklist for?
The checklist is for anyone who wants to start thinking about future care needs, whether for themselves, a partner, or a parent.
Does it mean I have to arrange care straight away?
Not at all. The checklist is about noticing changes and planning ahead so you are ready if the time comes.
Is it complicated to use?
No. It has been designed to be clear, straightforward and easy to follow, even if you have never talked about care before.
Can I use it with other family members?
Yes. In fact, it’s a great way to make sure everyone is on the same page about what’s happening and what might be needed.
Will it work alongside professional advice?
Absolutely. The checklist can help you prepare questions and gather information for discussions with your GP, social worker or other professionals.
Is it suitable if my parent is still independent?
Yes. In fact it’s especially useful at that stage, so you can plan together and without pressure.
How often should I use it?
You might revisit it every few months, or sooner if you notice changes in your loved one’s health, habits or environment.
What’s the next step after using the checklist?
That will depend on what you discover. It might mean simply keeping an eye on things, or it could lead to exploring home adaptations, arranging extra help, or requesting a care needs assessment.
Most families aren’t prepared for later life - and that can make a hard moment even harder.
Download our handy checklist to take the first steps today
- Free Checklist
- Exclusive extra content to your inbox
For someone to download / redirected to the Prepare to Care checklist and receive the email journey
No Spam. Unsubscribe Anytime. View Privacy Policy
